Stanley K. Nichols, 71, of Winfield, passed away Saturday afternoon, September 4, 2021, at Harry Hynes Hospice at Ascension Via Christi-St. Francis in Wichita.

Born November 26, 1949, in Winfield, Stan was the son of James E. and Phyllis E. (Shannon) Nichols.  Stan was raised on the family farm northeast of Winfield and received his education in Winfield, graduating from Winfield High School in 1967.  He was a member of FFA and 4-H in school and grew up attending Tisdale United Methodist Church.

Following high school, Stan attended Kansas State University to study Animal Science.  It was during his college years that he met his future wife, Mary Dillon.  He was active on the Meat and Livestock judging teams at K-State, as well as joining the Farmhouse Fraternity as a senior.  Stan graduated with his bachelor's degree in 1971.

About a week after graduation, Stanley was united in marriage to Mary L. Dillon in Mankato, Kansas, on May 22, 1971. The couple made their first home in Wichita where Stan worked at Sunflower Beef which was later bought by DPM Meats.  Stan and Mary welcomed their three children into the world while in Wichita.  The family attended West Heights United Methodist Church for many years.

In 1983, the family moved to the home they built on the family farm northeast of Winfield and attended Tisdale United Methodist Church.  Stan was able to farm with his family and build fence with Karl Rhea Magnuson for several years.  Later, they moved into Winfield where they currently resided.  When they moved to town, they attended First United Methodist Church, and Stan finished his career working for the grounds and maintenance department at Southwestern College from which he retired in 2017.

Stan was an avid K-State fan.  He thoroughly enjoyed attending their various sporting events and was even a member of his local Catbackers club.  Additionally, he enjoyed his vegetable and flower gardens, camping, attending the Methodist Men's breakfast, and photography, specifically photographing sunrises and sunsets.  Stan was musically gifted and sang for a Wichita Barbershop Quartet as well as on the Walnut Valley Men's Chorus.  He especially enjoyed attending and photographing his grandkids' activities.

His family includes his wife, Mary of Winfield; his children, Tina Sturm of Wellington; Derek Nichols and wife, Jessica, of Conway, AR; Andrea Gardner and husband, Robby, of Garden Plain; his grandchildren, Lydia and Jackson Bumgarner; Leah and Libby Sturm; Haley and Kensey Nichols; Lane and Brinley Gardner; his sister, Sue Simmons-Bossi and husband, Tom, of Winfield; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to his parents, Stan was preceded in death by his sister, Nianne Mohlstrom; and his grandson, Gavin Nichols.

Memorial services will be held at 10:00 A.M., Saturday, October 9, 2021, at First United Methodist Church in Winfield under the direction of Miles Funeral Service.  Inurnment will take place at New Salem Cemetery at a later date.  An informal gathering will be held following the service in the church courtyard.  The family requests all attendees wear a mask and practice social distancing for the service and gathering to follow.  For those not able to attend in person, a livestream of the service will be available on First United Methodist Church's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/WinfieldFumc

If you have one special memory of Stan that you would like to be shared during the memorial service, please email them to milesfuneralservice@yahoo.com or mail them to First United Methodist Church, 1000 Millington St., Winfield, KS 67156.

A memorial has been established in Stan's name for First United Methodist Church, Kansas State University Alumni Association, and for Kansas State University Farmhouse Fraternity.  Contributions may be made through the funeral home.